Easy Cheese Danish Recipe

Introduction

Easy Cheese Danish is a delightful pastry that combines flaky puff pastry with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling and fresh fruit topping. Perfect for breakfast or a light dessert, this recipe is simple enough for home bakers to create a bakery-quality treat.

Ingredients

• 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tsp water (for egg wash)
• 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk (whisked)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 12 apricots (sliced or quartered; or substitute with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or cherries)
• 4 tablespoons apricot jam (or your favorite jam for glazing fruit)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400℉.
2. Step 2: Prepare the fruit. If using apricots, halve them, remove pits, and slice. For strawberries, cherries, or peaches, hull or pit and slice as needed. Leave blueberries and raspberries whole.
3. Step 3: Make the cream cheese filling by mixing the room temperature cream cheese, egg yolk, sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and combined.
4. Step 4: Whisk together the egg and water in a small bowl to create the egg wash.
5. Step 5: Unwrap one sheet of puff pastry at a time and cut each sheet into 12 equal rectangles. Use a fork to prick the dough all over, avoiding about a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
6. Step 6: Transfer the cut rectangles to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly on each rectangle, leaving the edges clear.
8. Step 8: Arrange the fruit slices or whole berries on top of the cream cheese. Brush the fruit with apricot jam to glaze, then brush the pastry edges with the beaten egg wash.
9. Step 9: Bake on the middle oven rack for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and flaky.
10. Step 10: Let cool slightly, then serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese filling before spreading.
• Use seasonal fresh fruit for variety and to match what’s available locally.
• Glaze the fruit with warmed jam to keep it shiny and add a touch of sweetness.
• If puff pastry is frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Storage

Store leftover Danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore flakiness or enjoy them chilled. Avoid microwaving as it may make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these Danish pastries ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pastries and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking. Just remember to add the egg wash right before placing them in the oven for a golden finish.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese as alternatives. They will offer a slightly different texture and flavor but work well in the filling.

Easy Cheese Danish Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.6 from 108 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 24 pastries 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Cheese Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese mixture topped with fresh apricots or your choice of berries. Glazed with apricot jam and baked until golden, these pastries make a perfect breakfast treat or elegant dessert that’s simple to prepare.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough and Wash

• 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tsp water (for egg wash)

Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk (whisked)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Fruit and Glaze

• 12 apricots (sliced or quartered; can substitute with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or cherries)
• 4 tablespoons apricot jam (or your favorite jam for glazing fruit)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400℉ (204℃) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the danish pastries perfectly flaky and golden.
2. Prepare Fruit: If using apricots, halve them, remove pits, and slice. For strawberries, cherries, or peaches, hull or pit and slice accordingly. Leave blueberries and raspberries whole. Set aside for assembling.
3. Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, whisked egg yolk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a fork to mix until smooth and well incorporated.
4. Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg with 1 teaspoon of water to create an egg wash for brushing the pastry edges to achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish.
5. Prepare Puff Pastry: Unwrap one sheet of puff pastry at a time and cut each into 12 equal rectangles. Use a fork to prick the dough all over, leaving a ½-inch border unpricked to help the pastry edges rise separately.
6. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the cut puff pastry rectangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
7. Fill Pastry: Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese filling over each rectangle, avoiding the edges to allow puffing during baking.
8. Add Fruit and Glaze: Top each pastry with arranged slices or whole berries. Brush the fruit evenly with apricot jam to add flavor and shine. Then, brush the exposed pastry edges with the prepared egg wash for a beautiful glaze.
9. Bake: Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the pastry is flaky and puffed.
10. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious, flaky, creamy treat.

Notes

• You can substitute apricots with other fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or cherries depending on availability and preference.
• Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to make mixing easier and achieve a smooth filling.
• Don’t overfill the pastries to prevent the cream cheese and fruit from spilling over during baking.
• Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• These danishes are best enjoyed the day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Pastry
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cheese danish, puff pastry, cream cheese filling, apricot jam, easy breakfast pastry, fruit Danish, homemade Danish, sweet pastry